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Ascension Parish Assessor M.J. “Mert” Smiley, CLA receives 8th Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting

The Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting (CAFR) has been awarded to the Ascension Parish Assessor’s Office by the Government Finance Officers of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report.  The CAFR is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental agency and its administration.

“I think transparency and trust are vital to a successful government office.  As a public official, my office will always have an open door policy and be forthcoming with information about this office.”

Assessor Smiley has long regarded the trust and respect of his constituency as the measure of his success as a public servant.  In doing so, he has submitted a comprehensive financial report to the GFOA throughout his tenure as Assessor, exemplifying stewardship and transparency.

The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program which include demonstrating a spirit of full disclosure and accountability.  CAFR reports clearly communicate the recipients’ financial story, laying the foundation to motivate others to become potential CAFR recipients.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 19,000 government finance professions with offices in Chicago and Washington D.C.